OKC Dodgers MVP Program Now Available Statewide in Oklahoma, Presented by Devon Energy

STEM-Based Program Now Offered to all Oklahoma Third- and Fourth-Grade Classrooms

(OKC Dodgers)

By Oklahoma City Dodgers | October 8, 2018 9:23 AM

OKLAHOMA CITY - Third- and fourth-grade teachers and classrooms throughout the entire state of Oklahoma are now eligible to participate in the Oklahoma City Dodgers MVP Program: Encouraging STEM Education, presented by Devon Energy, as the education initiative continues to grow and expand in its third year of existence.

The free program encourages third- and fourth-grade students and teachers to participate in STEM curriculum focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and then rewards students in these subjects.

"The OKC Dodgers MVP Program has seen tremendous growth since its inception in 2017, and thanks to our partnership with Devon Energy, we are proud to now offer and reward participation in this STEM-based initiative across the state of Oklahoma," OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. "Through the MVP Program, we are providing educational resources to teachers, while motivating positive outcomes for students."

Participation in the MVP Program was initially only open to Oklahoma City Public Schools in 2017. After a successful start, the program expanded in 2018 to include additional metro-area classrooms in the Mid-Del, Putnam City, Edmond and Norman school districts.

The initiative impacted close to 4,300 students in more than 170 classrooms in 2018 - growing more than 200 percent from year one to year two.

Now for the program's third year, which kicked off this month, third- and fourth-grade teachers and their classrooms across the state of Oklahoma are eligible to participate.

Participating teachers have found a variety of ways to integrate the program into their classrooms.

"We use the program to encourage families to participate in STEM activities at home," said Kim Ford, a teacher in the Mid-Del School District.

Amy Dixon, a Putnam City Schools teacher, said she sees more than 300 students per week, and uses the program as a reward.

"I love this program because my kids love sporting event(s) and it's not very often that I have the opportunity to reward them with a sporting event," Dixon said.

Selected students in the MVP Program will receive tickets to an OKC Dodgers game honoring MVP participants and will also receive an exclusive MVP baseball hat.

The initiative culminates each summer with MVP Field Day at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark - an exclusive event for participating MVP students and teachers, as well as their families, featuring STEM activities and appearances by OKC Dodgers players.

Participating teachers receive all necessary MVP Program materials free of charge, as well as tickets to an OKC Dodgers game honoring MVP participants, an exclusive MVP baseball hat and admission to MVP Field Day at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The OKC Dodgers' 2019 season schedule is available now at okcdodgers.com, and 2019 season ticket and group packages are available for purchase. Visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182 for more information.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.